Although many years have passed, the weight of their sacrifice has never grown lighter. As you go about your business today, we kindly ask you to offer a prayer for our fallen brothers Cornelius and James and for all those left behind in the wake of their losses so many years ago.

Patrolman Cornelius Regan passed away on Thursday January 13, 1898, after developing an illness as a result of rescuing a drowning man from the Charles River while on duty early on Christmas morning.

Patrolman Regan was on patrol on the Boston side of the old Charlestown Bridge on North Washington Street at 2:15 AM when he heard a cry for help. Rushing to the bridge, he observed a man struggling in the water twenty feet below. Patrolman Regan made his way to the victim and brought him to safety despite getting soaked in the ice-cold water. The saved man would go on to make a full recovery.

Patrolman Regan had served the City of Boston for more than 17 years and was 36 years old at the time of his passing. He was survived by his wife and five children. Patrolman Regan was buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery, in Malden, MA.

After careful research in 2016, his name was added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial, Panel 55, East Line 27 as well as the Hero Wall at BPD Headquarters and the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House.

A hero sign has been placed on the North Washington Street Bridge in Downtown Boston (District A-1).

Detective Jame Troy

BPD Remembers Detective James J. Troy who was killed in the line of duty 89 years ago today

Detective James Troy was shot and killed in the South End by a suspect while trying to arrest him on a warrant for Breaking and Entering. The suspect was arrested and later convicted.

Detective Troy was 30 years of age at the time of his death and left behind a wife and 4 children. Detective Troy is buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden, MA.

His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial, Panel 10, East Line 8, as well as the Hero Wall at BPD Headquarters and the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House.

A hero sign has been placed at Dillworth street in the South End (District D-4).